A "consort" typically refers to a companion or partner, often in a royal context. In monarchies, a consort is the spouse of a reigning king or queen, such as a queen consort or prince consort. Their role is usually supportive, participating in ceremonial duties and public engagements, but they do not hold sovereign power. In music, a "consort" can also describe a group of instruments or voices that play together. This term is often associated with Renaissance music, where ensembles of similar instruments, like viols, would perform harmoniously. Consorts can vary in size and composition, creating rich, layered sounds.